Calcium Buildup / Scaling
minor severitycommonDIY: yesPro repair$0–$0LA-area, parts and labor
DIY cost$20–$100parts and supplies
Typical time1 hrfor a pro
Difficulty1 / 51 is easiest
What you'll notice
- White or cloudy deposits on tile line
- cloudy water
- reduced filter efficiency
- deposits on equipment
Likely causes
- High pH (above 7.8) causing precipitation
- hard water minerals (high calcium)
- low water circulation or turnover
How to keep it from coming back
- Maintain pH 7.2-7.6
- use calcium sequestrant
- run circulation 8-12 hours daily
- brush waterline
Ranges are estimates; see How We Estimate. Affects: all.
Equipment involved
Maintenance that prevents it
Related costs
- Chlorine Tablets (3-inch, continuous feeding): $150–$400
- Salt (annual top-up): $100–$300
- pH Adjustment (muriatic acid or soda ash): $30–$100
- Alkalinity Adjustment (sodium bicarbonate): $20–$60
- Algaecide (preventative or treatment): $30–$100
- Salt Cell Replacement: $400–$1,200